Virginia v. Black

Citation

538 U.S. 343 (2003)

Facts

Stub — to be completed.

Issue

Stub — to be completed.

Holding

Stub — to be completed.

Rule

A state may ban cross burning done with the intent to intimidate, as true threats fall outside First Amendment protection; but a prima facie evidence instruction making cross burning per se evidence of intent to intimidate is unconstitutional.

Significance

Upheld targeted cross-burning ban but struck down the prima facie provision; clarified scope of “true threats” doctrine.

Courses